The apex of The City’s Gherkin building provided a suitably swish setting for the UK launch of the new Cava de Paraje Calificado on Monday, signalling the quality-focused ambition of Penedes leading sparkling winemakers.

Scranton Enterprises plans to boost premium Cava exports to the UK following its acquisition of shares in leading Cava producer Juvé & Camps, the capital investment company’s CEO has told Harpers. “We believe the UK is a high potential market for Juvé & Camps, as premium Cava offers the same quality experience of champagne at a slightly lower price point,” said Luca Tassan, CEO of Scranton Enterprises. Speaking exclusively to Harpers, Tassan said: “We have made an investment in Juvé & Camps to support some of the family members on their plans to continue to grow the Premium Cava sector and expand internationally,” he said. “The strategy for the cava estate will be to build on the organic attributes of the Reserva (minimum 30 months ageing) and grow in the US, UK and northern European countries,” he said.